Cambrian letters to the editor Oct. 11

The other day, on my way home from a trip to the market, I saw a bride and groom having their picture taken in front of the Wizard of Oz display on Main Street. They were smiling from ear to ear. It had been a bad couple of days but this scene reminded me why I love Cambria so much. Using the sets from the high school Wizard of Oz production, the help of people who built the original sets, community members who built the original scarecrows and Rabobank for helping to defray the cost of this exhibit, Cambria offered this young couple a very unique backdrop for their wedding pictures.

It is so typical of Cambrians — to come together for the benefit of others. When I used to volunteer at the Cambria Historical Museum, I frequently met tourists who would ask, “is everyone in Cambria always so friendly?” I would very proudly say, “absolutely!” People greet others with a smile every day, whether they know each other or not.

When tragedy befalls a family, Cambrians come together to help out by buying a barbecue meal, bidding on silent auction items, and whatever else they can do. Most of the time, people don’t even have to ask for help. It is lovingly offered because we respect each other.

This is why I am so terribly disturbed by the senseless damage to the Oktoberfest sign, one of the billboards, to some of the scarecrows and the recent appearance of graffiti in our community. Why is this happening? What is causing this sudden lack of respect for the property of others? And, why aren't more people as furious and sad about this type of behavior as I am?

Have we really become so desensitized to this sort of thing that we can just turn a blind eye to it? People have basically said to me “get over it,” “it happens all the time,” “there is nothing you can do about it.” I am having trouble believing that. Surely there is something that can be done. Any ideas out there?

Sue Robinson

Cambria

Funds for good causes

It is October again and the time of year that the Cambria Community Council gives Cambria nonprofit groups the opportunity to apply for grants for money to help them help others in the community. The council has been extremely generous to the Friends of the Cambria Library and our attempts to raise funds for a new library building. We are very close to our goal and the council has been instrumental toward that objective.

I urge other Cambria nonprofits to apply for a grant from the council.

Jeri Farrell, president

Friends of the Cambria Library

(Editor’s note: Application forms are available at the Cambria Library, 900 Main St. See story, Page 5.)

Informed choices?

Are we going to have any candidate debates this year or are we just going to make our decisions based on the yard signs littering town?